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of course, much longer by road. It rained and snowed steadily and was very cold. Every man from colonel to private was soaked to the skin, day and night, and some of the time there was no water to drink and food was not always plentiful. The sudden move of the Division was wholly unexpected, and preparations for supplying so large a body of troops could not be made on the instant. Everyone suffered a good deal from exposure, scanty diet and lack of sleep, for the marches were long. Many horses gave out under the strain. Mounted men walked to save their animals. But, strange to say, very few men were put on the sick list. They were too well conditioned.

On the battle line north of Toul the Division took over a sector of 18 kilometers, the longest that has been held by an American division on the western front. The Huns gave them a warm wel­come; the arrival was marked by a terrific bombardment, which compelled a quick shifting of artillery positions, for the Germans in those days had a very capable lot of airplanes for observation purposes. There followed a long series of actions, some of them battles of considerable proportions. Of these were Bois Brule at Apremont and Seicheprey, the first real battles in which American troops were engaged. The 26th never failed; the Germans had their first real taste of the kind of fighters which the United States breeds and, when aroused, sends to war. Of the Yankee Division's record at Toul, Gen. Passaga stated in general orders:

'At the moment when the 26th Division of the United States is leaving the 32d French Corps, I salute its colors and thank it for the splendid services it has rendered here to the common cause.

'Under the distinguished command of their chief, Gen. Edwards, the high-spirited soldiers of the Yankee Division have taught the enemy some bitter lessons, at Bois Brule, at Seicheprey, at Xivray-Marvoisin; they have taught him to realize the staunch vigor of the sons of the great republic, fighting for the world's freedom.

'My heartiest good wishes will accompany the Yankee Division always in its future combats.'

CHATEAU-THIERRY

Late in June the glorious word went about the regiments, 'Rest billets a short distance from Paris,' and the Division left Toul, traveling first over the road, then by train, in the usual cattle cars. The five months of trench warfare and battle and suffering were forgotten. They were going to Paris! The rumor was a fact, too; the orders were to take station at Panton and

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